File No. 861.77/556a

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan ( Morris )

[Telegram]

If given adequate control of operations how long would Stevens require to obtain good working results which would show promise of permanence without his assistance? Some doubt of our intentions seems to exist in Japan because definite statement on this point is lacking. It must be made clear that our purpose to give Stevens effective control is in order to hasten the restoration of normal economic conditions in Siberia and is wholly a measure of temporary relief. Our purpose is unchanged that Stevens is to have control only until his task can either be concluded or continued by responsible Russian authorities. The Department would like to have your views as to how our purpose on this point can be made clear.

Phillips